CLARKDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - Mar 4, 2013) - Picture yourself riding through the pages of a prestigious picturesque coffee-table book, and you'll capture the Verde Canyon Railroad experience. As you float past vibrant colors that sweep across the desert floor, you realize it's only possible because you're on our train. Seasonal blossoms peak out around every curve, stretch out on each end of every bridge and surprise you after the train bursts forth from our 680-foot tunnel where daylight diminishes briefly.

The brilliant backdrop of a crystal clear sky and the emerald life-giving waters of the Verde River, one of the few remaining wild and scenic waterways of the West, enhance the startling beauty of the soaring and sculpted red rock faces of this wall-to-wall wonderland.

As the train glides through the scenic gorge, you may step outside onto an open-air car from your indoor seat where your body will be left breathless and your camera full. Sipping on a Bloody Mary so full of vegetables you can call it lunch, just makes the trip that much more pleasurable. To retrieve your breath, just step back inside and sink into a comfortable love seat or sit aside another panoramic window nestled up to a bistro table.

Chirping sounds won't be your cell phone but the eagles and hawks overhead, inspiring you to look up and appreciate the infinite sky. Having cohabited with the Railroad for generations, wildlife pays no mind as the slow rolling train clickety-clacks its way to Perkinsville and back on a four-hour journey into our stress-free wilderness.

The train generally departs at 1:00 p.m. but we also celebrate this light-hearted season with gala events prior to boarding on our charming outdoor patio, including Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 5; National Train Day on Saturday, May 11; and the popular Saturday Starlight Tours begin with 5:30 p.m. departures on Saturday, May 25th.

Verde Canyon Railroad runs year-round. The depot is located in Clarkdale, 25 minutes from Sedona and two hours north of Phoenix, making Verde Canyon Railroad the perfect Arizona day trip. For an overnight stay, check out our Room, Ride and Meal packages at verdecanyonrr.com. Call 800-293-7245 or book online now.